First time trip to Universal

[FBandA]

I am just looking for info on Universal, where should I stay? DH and DS 10 and me. DS has gone to Disney twice and Sea World once we thought we would try Universal for a change. How do you get around? Do I have to rent a car? Is there some other web-site information? Do they have meal plans? Is it cheaper then going to Disney? How many days do you need at Universal?Thanks

 

[lindalinda]

You should stay onsite if you can. It soooo great if you do. Royal Pacific Resort is usually the least expensive. There is a special on-line deal for park tickets now 99$ for 5 days. (your DS being 10, so you cant get the free kids deal). When are you going? The hotel rates vary depending on season. You should check rates online , if you have AAA, use that to book your room, it will save you some $. Or you could get one of you an AP. Those are 180$ but you will easily save that amount on discounts for the room and food, etc. Check your dates online and put in APH in the code and you can see if theres a difference for you (these rates dont come out until a couple of months or so before you go) They do have meal plans...I have never done one but there is a thread on here with the menus, etc. It is a very relaxing vacation, esp. if you stay on site and get FOTL.

 

[denny144]

It's not cheaper than Disney unless you stayed at one of the really cheap on-site hotels. In-park food prices are comparable. You don't need a rental car if you're staying on-site. You can do each of the 2 parks in one day if you stay on-site and use the front-of-the-line pass where you show your room key and they let you use a special line that takes you to the front of the loading area. At some shows like the horror make-up show (which is an hysterically funny hidden gem), you get to sit in the front rows.

 

[stwyatt]

just got back in nov. with our 10yr old son. he loves uo even though he was too timid to ride the big coasters at ioa. we stayed at royal pacific and loved the convenience, atmosphere, etc. royal pacific is about an easy 7min walk to ioa. hard rock hotel is the closest to the parks at about a 4min walk. we chose royal pacific because some of the posts said hard rock could be a little more rowdy and possibly too much for a 10yr. old--but i don't know that for sure. you can walk or take a boat to all the universal stuff. you don't need a car unless you want to go off site. universal has plenty of restaurants especially if you include the resorts. we also did a character bfast at confisco grille in ioa. the characters(spiderman) really interact with the kids. there is a member here named "robvia" that has a great website for info on uo. i'm sure he/she will post the website for you. have fun

 

[goofie4goofy]

I think it is less expensive than WDW. I always buy our park tickets on line thru universal www.universalorlando.com They have a great deal buy 2 days get 3 free, so you have 5 days total (and you go from park to park) The cost of the tickets for 2 adults was 200.00. Tbhis offer is only on line, don't wait to get to the parks, it will cost you a lot more. I don't know when you are going or the age limit but there is a kids stay play and eat free. Also when you buy your tix on line, you will (or should) get an e-mail for a coupon book that has $150.00 in savings throughout the parks for food and merchandise. Print out the coupon then pick up your book at the parks. The Royal Pacific is the least expensive place to stay, but it is just as beautiful as the other hotels, and the newest. It is not like a "value" at WDW, it is a 4 star hotel. Also "pool hopping" is encouraged as all the hotels have beautiful themed pools. Transportation is very easy due to the boats, a very peaceful way to go to the parks. They run every 15 min and is not like the WDW busses...No car is necessary. Actually if you wish to go to another hotel's restaurant at night, just ask the valet and they will gladly drive you there so you don't have to take the boats. As the previous poster said the Hard Rock is closest to the parks followed by the Royal Pac.

Staying on site is the best due to the FOTL. There is a seperate line for FOTL and someone checks your room key. You will breeze right by the huge lines and get on the rides. In all our trips to USO, we have never waited more than 10 minutes. Because of this you will get the most out of your USO vacation as it will give you more time to relax and enjoy the beautiful hotel.

First start by going to the universal website and definately sign up to be a lowes first member by going to the lowes website. There are "extras" for you if you do. Always best to get the most and best price out of your trip

Hope this helps. You will USO.

 

[Foladar]

It's not cheaper than Disney unless you stayed at one of the really cheap on-site hotels. In-park food prices are comparable. You don't need a rental car if you're staying on-site. You can do each of the 2 parks in one day if you stay on-site and use the front-of-the-line pass where you show your room key and they let you use a special line that takes you to the front of the loading area. At some shows like the horror make-up show (which is an hysterically funny hidden gem), you get to sit in the front rows.

In all honestly, i think UO is cheaper in the long run IMO.
I paid $180 for a yearly pass ($99 to renew) and I stay offsite.
Food is comparible, correct. Hotel room, compariable since offsite (though onsite, the values are cheaper of course at Disney) .. ticket wise, though, UO has Disney beat .. of course, Disney has more "content" (more parks) but Universal is enough for me, and that's why I keep visiting UO more often than Disney, price.



I would say the ideal trip to UO would be 3-4 days, staying onsite at Royal Pacific. You can get the 5 day tickets (two day, three days free) for $99. The FOTL will be amazing, you'll really enjoy it. You could always stay four nights, five days - and you'll get FOTL all five days, even checkout day!

 

[FBandA]

Thank you for all the help. It looks like it will be possible for this summer.

Were is "robvia" web site?

Also is there a Dinning Plan?

 

[swilphil]

Universal park tickets are definitely cheaper, especially if you take advantage of the 5-day ticket specials (not sure if those are going on right now). Staying on-site can be much more expensive if you are going during peak season and you usually stay at a Disney value or moderate.